WWII Warbirds Fly By

I was so excited to witness this event yesterday . . . 14 WWII planes flying overhead! I made sure my camera was charged, and I even set my alarm so that I wouldn't forget. 

At 9:45 a.m. Wendell and I headed to Maunalua Bay. 

There were already a bunch of cars parked at the bay. We got a front row space. I anxiously waited. At around 10:15ish Erick texted me and said that two planes passed him in the Kuakini area. A little later Didi texted the same thing.

I scanned the skies.  Wendell pointed and said, "Is that a plane?" I said, "Where?" He said, "Over there."  I looked in the direction of his pointing finger.  I saw a moving dot.

Yup, that was it.

Well, the fresh ocean air was nice, and it was the most excitement I've had in a long time.

Costco Steamed Dumplings

 

Wendell got this Steamed Dumplings from Costco last week or so. It seems like all the Bibigo products sell out fast and when you go back for more you can't find them. 

You zap it in the microwave for 2 minutes.  It came with this dipping sauce. 

It was good.  So far, Bibigo doesn't disappoint, but the best is still the Beef Bulgogi Mandu.

Roselani Haupia Ice Cream + Vietnamese Gelatin Dessert

I've been trying to stay away from too much sweets lately, but . . . seriously . . . sometimes you just gotta enjoy. 

Keeping Strong

I've come to believe that no matter how much I try to hide from it, I may not be able to escape catching COVID.

So Honolulu Aunty's advice about keeping our immune system strong resonates with me.  I'm hoping that by keeping my body strong I will be able to survive (e.g. not die from) the virus should I ever catch it.

Here are tips that I found online:

What can I do to keep my immune system strong during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Don't smoke or vape.
• Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Take a multivitamin if you suspect that you may not be getting all the nutrients you need through your diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Control your stress level.
• Control your blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation (no more than one to two drinks a day for men, no more than one a day for women).
• Get enough sleep.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and trying not to touch your hands to your face, since harmful germs can enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Dd's French Onion Soup

FRENCH ONION SOUP

3 TB butter

3 medium Maui onions, sliced

1 tsp. ground sage

½ tsp. thyme

½ tsp. oregano

½ tsp. basil

½ c. red wine

2 (32 oz.) boxes beef stock

4 slices French bread-toasted

4 slices gruyere cheese

 

In a saucepot over medium heat; sauté onions in butter until caramelized. Add seasonings and wine; sauté 3 minutes.

Add stock; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 45 minutes.  Fill soup bowls with soup. Top with toasted French bread; top with cheese. Place under broiler. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serves 4.

Phone Conversation with My Mom

 

I've been trying to call my mom more often lately . . . because . . . well . . . because I still can.  Only thing . . . my mom is not much into shooting the breeze, so unless I have something significant to say, our conversation will sometimes go like this:

Me: Hi! 

Mom:  Hi, Ms. Jalna. What's up?

Me: Nothing much. How you doing?

Mom: Oh, same-o, same-o. We're fine. 

Me: That's good . . .

Mom: Colin's here. Talk to Colin. Colin!! Come talk to Aunty Jalna.

Me:  Uh . . .

"So Adorable"

 

Urban Sketchers Oahu Virtual Meetup

 

The theme for yesterday's Urban Sketchers Oahu virtual meetup was "Tell a Story in Isolation". 

Wendy Suzuki - Exercise and the Brain

Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki talks about the benefits of exercise on the brain. She says, "Exercise actually produces brand new brain cells in the hippocampus that actually increases its volume." 

Me:  Whaaaaat!!!??  It can make your brain bigger?? I need that!!

Her talk is very informative, easy to understand and believe or not . . . entertaining!!  Try watch until the end . . . and participate. 

Dd's Greek Style Salmon

GREEK STYLE SALMON

12-14 oz. salmon filet, cut in half

olive oil

lemon pepper, as needed

1 small tomato, chopped

2 stalks green onion, chopped

¼ c. Italian parsley, chopped

2 TB kalamata olives, pitted, sliced

1 TB olive oil

¼ c. feta cheese

Salt, freshly cracked black pepper

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

Drizzle salmon with olive oil. Lightly season with lemon pepper as desired. Roast 15-17 minutes, depending on thickness of salmon. 

In a mixing bowl; combine remaining ingredients. Allow to sit 15 minutes. For service; top salmon with mixture. Serves 2.